FULLERTON (CBS/AP) — The Fullerton City Council Tuesday rejected a proposal to consider disbanding its police force.

The council voted 3-2 not to ask the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who would take over police duties, for a preliminary study on the idea. The plan had been promoted as a cost-saving measure since the 144-officer department has a budget of $37 million a year.

However, many felt the discussion centered on the fatal beating of homeless man Kelly Thomas.